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a) You can add images under Preferences / Display / Images.
May also be useful: HOW TO: Understand and Configure Background Images -
b.1) The tab color will only be an accent along the bottom or edge, but you can change the background color of the file display itself for different folders, if you wish. Folder Formats can do that.
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b.3) Scripts may be able to do what you want. What do you mean by "tablist folders" and "similar" tabs?